RIA moves: Carson Group marks deal milestone as Simon Quick continues slow-growth strategy

It's been an interesting couple of days in the world of RIA M&A, with one of the most active names in the business and another highly selective acquirer each unveiling milestones in their respective growth strategies.

On Wednesday, Omaha, Nebraska-based Carson Group announced that it has finalized its full acquisition of SRQ Wealth, a Sarasota, Florida-based firm managing $365 million in assets.

SRQ Wealth first joined the Carson Partner network in 2019 and now becomes the 25th office fully owned by Carson Wealth. The firm will continue operating under the SRQ Wealth brand, led by managing partner Steve Martin along with Karin Grablin and Justin Salemy.

“This partnership with Carson represents a strategic step in our vision to build a firm designed not just for today but for the next 100 years,” Martin said in the Wednesday statement announcing the deal.

According to Carson Group, the expanded relationship will bring operational efficiencies to SRQ Wealth while supporting its next stage of growth. The firm’s advisor team also includes associate wealth advisor Juliana Carmona and four additional support staff. Carson Group oversees more than $42 billion in assets.

While Carson didn't quite make the list of last year's top acquirers – it announced six deals last year, just one-third of the full-2024 record put down by Wealth Enhancement Group – it's picked up the pace significantly. 

According to Echelon Partners' definittive RIA M&A for Q1 2025, it announced four deals in the first three months of this year through its Carson Wealth expansion strategy, including key acquisitions in Chicago and California. 

Meanwhile, Morristown, New Jersey-based Simon Quick Advisors has entered into an agreement to acquire Proquility Private Wealth Partners, a boutique advisory firm based in Las Vegas. The acquisition brings over four decades of planning experience into Simon Quick’s fold, furthering its efforts to align with like-minded practices.

Led by Andy Ferguson and Patty Yeager, Proquility’s team emphasizes personalized planning and longstanding relationships with clients. The deal marks Simon Quick’s third acquisition since 2017 – its most recent deal to acquire Red Hook Management happened in 2022 – and continues its strategy of culturally aligned partnerships.

“This was never about finding the biggest check – it was about finding the best home,” Ferguson said.

Christopher Moore, managing partner at Simon Quick, added that the firm was drawn to Proquility’s shared commitment to generational planning. “Their planning-first mindset and generational relationships align closely with our values and client-first philosophy,” he said.